In a disturbing sign of deep-rooted bias and complicity, terrorist groups in northern Nigeria continue their violence, kidnapping 25 schoolgirls, killing educators, while political elites, religious leaders, and power brokers remain chillingly silent. This episode underscores what many see as a broken system: tribalism, corruption, and a ruling class protecting its own, even as innocent Christian children suffer.

The Attack: 25 Schoolgirls Abducted, Educator Killed

On November 17, gunmen attacked a girls’ boarding school in Maga, Kebbi State, in northwestern Nigeria. The attackers, wielding “sophisticated weapons,” killed the vice-principal and overwhelmed the school’s defenses before abducting 25 students. Security forces later confirmed that the assailants moved through forest paths, apparently evading military checkpoints that should have prevented their entry.

The Systemic Failure: Why the Silence Is Deafening

1. Political Elites, Terrorist Sympathizers

Northern Nigeria’s political class has repeatedly come under fire for its ties, real or perceived, to extremist elements. Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State recently claimed that some military officers and politicians serve as informants and collaborators for Boko Haram. This allegation, if true, reveals a chilling level of infiltration and corruption within the security apparatus and the corridors of power.

2. Clerical Cover-Ups: The Gumi Question

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a prominent cleric, is now facing calls for arrest from rights groups. He has been accused of defending terrorists, negotiating with them, and providing intellectual support. Critics argue that his continued free operation exposes a double standard: while some in Nigeria face harsh counterterrorism laws, Gumi avoids prosecution despite repeatedly engaging with and even calling for amnesty for mass murderers.

3. Rehabilitation and Recruitment Game

Reports also suggest that surrendered terrorist insurgents are being rehabilitated, yet not all of them are genuinely reformed. Governor Zulum admitted that though most former fighters are said to be “doing well,” a worrying number may still pose a threat. This raises critical questions about whether the system is truly deradicalizing or merely recycling terrorists back into a compromised security structure.

4. Accusations Against Senior Officials

Beyond Gumi, individuals from the ruling class have faced accusations, both from within and outside Nigeria, of sponsoring Boko Haram. These include claims against high-ranking military officers and political figures who are allegedly using their influence to shield or negotiate with insurgents.
Such entrenched connections blur the line between counterterrorism and politics, making genuine accountability difficult.

5. Christian Victims, Neglected Voices

Christians in northern Nigeria appear especially vulnerable. As terror operations intensify, some Christian leaders and pastors remain quiet, fueling speculation that silence among religious elites may be rooted in political or tribal alignment rather than moral conviction. This lack of vocal opposition to kidnappings and violence leaves everyday Christians feeling exposed and unprotected.

The Bigger Picture: A Failed State by Design?

Activists like Omoyele Sowore have not held back, calling Nigeria a “failed state” for its inability, or unwillingness, to respond decisively when schoolgirls are abducted or senior military officers are killed. This isn’t just a security failure: it’s a political and moral crisis.

Many observers now argue that the recurring violence in northern Nigeria is not just the result of extremist ideologies. Rather, it’s deeply intertwined with tribalism, religious favoritism, and a political elite that benefits from keeping the country fractured.

What Needs to Happen

• Transparent Investigations: The government must investigate and prosecute not only the attackers but also those who may be enabling them, from political insiders to religious figures.
• Accountability for Clerics: Figures like Gumi, accused of siding with terrorists, must be held to account in a court of law, not just called out in the media.
• True Deradicalization: Rehabilitation programs should be rigorously monitored, and returning fighters must be held to strict conditions, not quietly reintegrated without oversight.
• Support for Victims: Families of abducted schoolgirls and slain educators need sustained government support, public advocacy, and protection.
• Ending Political Tribalism: Nigeria’s political elite must confront how tribal and regional loyalties fuel violence, and prioritize the safety of all citizens above sectarian interests.

This attack isn’t an isolated tragedy: it reflects a system under siege, not just from terrorists, but from its own fractured leadership. As 25 young girls remain in captivity, the silence from those who could speak up is a testament to how deeply political and religious complicity runs.